A Tree for Mr. Fish

PreS-Gr 2–“Fish don’t belong in trees,” point out friends Bird and Cat, reasonably. But Mr. Fish has a solid explanation for his presence, and he is staying put; when Cat observes, “Fish can’t live out of water. They can’t breathe,” and Bird asks, “How are you even alive right now?” Mr. Fish simply obtains a “roly bowl” (“for the fish on the go”). Mr. Fish’s loudness and rudeness drive Bird and Cat away. But when he tries to host a party for other fish, it’s a flop. After some soul searching, Mr. Fish apologizes to Bird and Cat and asks for their help making the tree a pleasant and livable place for all. A deliberately static setting and flat perspectives encourage readers to notice changes from one page turn to the next, and there are many humorous touches from beginning to end (“fin”).